Japanese word

慰める

Pronunciation

Romajinagusameru

Meaning

  • verbcomfort

Example

母が泣いている子を慰めました。haha ga na i te i ru ko o nagusa me ma shi ta

The mother comforted the crying child.

Illustration for 慰める (comfort)

More examples

試合に負けて落ち込んでいる友達を、みんなで慰めました。shi ai ni ma ke te o chi ko n de i ru tomo dachi o mi n na de nagusa me ma shi ta

We all comforted our friend, who was feeling down after losing the game.

Core concept

Means offering care that lessens another person's sadness, fear, or suffering and helps restore emotional balance.

Common phrases

  • 人を慰めるhito o nagusa me ru

    comfort someone

Similar words

励ますhagemasu: To give someone courage or hope to continue after difficulty.
元気づけるgenkizukeru: To help someone regain energy or a positive mood.
なだめるnadameru: To calm someone who is upset, angry, or frightened.

Definition in Japanese

悲しみやつらさを感じている人の気持ちを、言葉や親切な行いによって和らげる。kana shi mi ya tsu ra sa o kan ji te i ru hito no ki mo chi o koto ba ya shin setsu na okona i ni yo tte yawa ra ge ru

Word origin

慰める (nagusameru, "to comfort") is a native Japanese verb formed in relation to 慰む (nagusamu, "to feel comforted or relieved"); the transitive form directs comfort toward someone else.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 慰める (nagusameru) describes easing someone's sadness, and the person comforted is marked by を (o).

Other meanings

  • cheer upverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 慰めnagusamecomfortnoun
  • 慰め方nagusamekataway to comfort someonenoun

Word lists with this word